Cosenza Mayor Franz Caruso Highlights Artisan Role in Calabria Tourism

Mayor Franz Caruso said the MPI Observatory of Confartigianato Calabria “confirms the validity of the strategy we launched with the ‘Cosenza Crea’ project,” linking a network of historic artisan shops and the new “Fatto a Cosenza” brand to boost visitor numbers. The data show that artisan activity is a core component of the city’s tourism masterplan, fostering authentic experiences and local identity.

A separate Confartigianato report found Calabrian families spend about €60 million a year on gelato, with 72 % of the 241 regional gelaterias run by artisans. The province of Cosenza accounts for €23 million of that spend, while Reggio Calabria leads in the number of labs (86). Artisan gelato businesses represent more than four times the national average share of the sector, underscoring their importance to the regional economy. “The numbers confirm that artisan gelato is a key economic component,” said Salvatore Ascioti, president of Confartigianato Imprese Calabria.